How to administer the test

Linguaskill is being enhanced

A new version of Linguaskill is being introduced which will include a range of new features and benefits. During this upgrade, please take extra care to ensure that you use the practice materials designed for the right version of the exam you intend to take. Read more about the changes to Linguaskill.

How the Linguaskill test is delivered

Linguaskill is simple to use for both agents and candidates, and is administered through the Cambridge English Test Portal. This video shows the five key features of the portal and how to use them.

The technical requirements for running a Linguaskill test

Minimum technical requirements
Processor	Pentium III 800 MHz or equivalent
RAM	512 MB
Free hard drive space	4GB
Screen Resolution	1280 x 1024
Operating System	Windows 7 or later Chromebook running on Chrome OS 94+ Apple Macs running MacOS 10.12.6 (Sierra) and above. Note: The Cambridge English Test portal and any tests run through it are not currently supported on: iOS devices Android devices or any tablets Linux
Internet bandwidth	2 Mbps per candidate. The minimum bandwidth requirements are for each computer running the test. When running multiple tests concurrently on the same internet connection you should ensure this bandwidth is available to each computer. If less than 2 Mbps is available for each candidate, the test may take longer to run.
Web browser	The Speaking Test uses HTML5 and so a compatible browser must be used to run the test Windows Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox are compatible and supported browsers. Microsoft Internet Explorer is not compatible with HTML5 so cannot be used for the Speaking Test. Mac Google Chrome is compatible and is the supported browser.
Adobe Reader	Latest version (must be able to read PDFs).
Sound Card	Yes
Headphones	Over-ear and closed back – the earpieces of the headphones should cover the entire ear, preferably with good padding for comfort.
Microphone	A microphone should be attached to the headset, via a ‘boom’ (in other words, on the end of a flexible stalk). The microphone should be noise-cancelling (at a minimum, directional), to increase sound pick-up and to minimise noise pollution on the recordings. Please do not allow the use of your computers’ built-in microphones, these should be disabled, because they are not of the appropriate type nor of sufficient quality. In addition in Chrome if a candidate mutes their headset mic, Linguaskill will continue recording if there‘s more than one mic enabled on the machine.
Headphone and microphone connections	There is no preference on plugs (that is, USB or standard stereo) but please note that the use of USB means that appropriate drivers must be installed and confirmed as working before the test day.